Helminthiasis
Travel Health

Helminthiasis
Helminthiasis is a parasitic infection often affecting the intestinal tract but can also affect organs such as the liver.

Symptoms of Helminthiasis
There are several varied symptoms for helminthiasis which may include some of the following:

Abdominal pain

Fever

Diarrhoea (sometimes bloody)

Vomiting

Constipation

Anaemic

Weight loss

Lethargy

Dehydration

Itching around the anus

Intestinal obstruction

Rectal prolapse

Skin problems

Cause of Helminthiasis
Helminthiasis can be caused by one or more parasites such as roundworms, tapeworm, hook worms or whipworms. Those infected with intestinal worms excrete the parasite eggs in their faeces and if sanitation and hygiene is of a poor standard the parasite eggs can easily be ingested through contamination of food or through skin penetration, such as is caused by hookworms.

Testing For HelminthiasisBlood and fecal tests are often taken for diagnosis.

PreventingHelminthiasis
Improved sanitation and hygiene awareness will help prevent helminthiasis.

Treatment for Helminthiasis
Treatment involves the use of anthelmintic medication to remove the parasites.